ESPN to do 'Countdown' in Mexico City before Texans-Raiders

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) For the first time in 31 years, ESPN is taking its NFL pregame show on the road for a regular-season game.

To Mexico, no less.

''Sunday NFL Countdown'' will move to Mexico City to proceed the Monday night game on Nov. 21 at Azteca Stadium between the Texans and Raiders. It's the first NFL game in Mexico that counts in 11 years.

''NFL Countdown'' on the day before the game will originate from Chapultepec Park, site of the NFL Fan Fest for the match. It will be hosted, as usual, by Chris Berman, who also will co-host with Suzy Kolber on a two-hour ''Monday Night Countdown'' from Azteca, with two-time Super Bowl winner Jim Plunkett as a guest.

ESPN plans 10 hours of studio coverage from Mexico City, with several other shows originating from there.

''The NFL's return to Mexico on `Monday Night Football' is a signature event of the season, and the perfect opportunity for us to bring `Sunday NFL Countdown' on the road for the first time,'' said Seth Markman, ESPN senior coordinating producer for NFL studio shows.

ESPN's game announcing crew of Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters will be joined by ESPN Deportes' John Sutcliffe, who lives in Mexico City.

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